Image processing system and method

ABSTRACT

Initial low-quality images of a progressively-displayed high-definition image are masked with corresponding progressively-revealing mask filters or masking algorithms to realistically obscure such low quality and therefore to provide a realistically appearing progressive presentation of the high-definition image.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The instant application is the U.S. National Phase under 35 U.S.C. § 371of International Application No. PCT/US2019/031625 filed on 9 May 2019,with claims divided from International Application No.PCT/US2019/031625, the latter of which claims the benefit of prior U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/669,296 filed on 9 May 2018. Each ofthe above-identified applications is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a first aspect of an image processing system thatprovides for progressively masking a progressively-displayedhigh-definition image so as to provide for obscuring artifacts inassociated intermediate images, masked versions of which areprogressively displayed leading up to the display of the finalhigh-definition image;

FIG. 2 illustrates a process for creating the filter masks for each ofthe intermediate images, masked versions of which are progressivelydisplayed when progressively displaying the associated high-definitionimage in accordance with the image processing system illustrated in FIG.1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a process for determining a particular associatedfilter-mask parameter for a corresponding particular intermediate image,in support of the process illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4a illustrates a first-progression, first-quality intermediateimage associated with the progressive display of the high-definitionimage illustrated in FIG. 4c , together with a histogram of associatedimage pixel values for the entire first-quality intermediate image;

FIG. 4b illustrates a masked version of the first-progression,first-quality intermediate image illustrated in FIG. 4a , together witha histogram of associated image pixel values for the entire maskedfirst-progression, first-quality intermediate image;

FIG. 4c illustrates, for purposes of comparison, the high-definitionimage from which the first-progression, first-quality intermediate imageillustrated in FIG. 4a is derived, together with a histogram ofassociated image pixel values for the entire high-definition image;

FIG. 4d illustrates a masked version of the high-definition imageillustrated in FIG. 4c , together with a histogram of associated imagepixel values for the entire masked high-definition image, wherein theassociated filter-mask parameter—associated with the associatedhistogram—was selected so that the corresponding images of FIGS. 4b and4d had similar appearance;

FIG. 5a illustrates a second-progression, second-quality intermediateimage associated with the progressive display of the high-definitionimage illustrated in FIGS. 4c and 5c , together with a histogram ofassociated image pixel values for the entire second-quality intermediateimage, wherein the second-quality intermediate image has a higherquality than the first-quality intermediate image illustrated in FIG. 4a;

FIG. 5b illustrates a masked version of the second-progression,second-quality intermediate image illustrated in FIG. 5a , together witha histogram of associated image pixel values for the entire maskedsecond-progression, second-quality intermediate image;

FIG. 5c illustrates, for purposes of comparison, the high-definitionimage the same as illustrated in FIG. 4c —from which thesecond-progression, second-quality intermediate image illustrated inFIG. 5a is derived, together with a histogram of associated image pixelvalues for the entire high-definition image;

FIG. 5d illustrates a masked version of the high-definition imageillustrated in FIG. 5c together with a histogram of associated imagepixel values for the entire masked high-definition image, wherein theassociated filter-mask parameter—associated with the associatedhistogram—was selected so that the corresponding images of FIGS. 5b and5d had similar appearance;

FIG. 6a illustrates a third-progression, third-quality intermediateimage associated with the progressive display of the high-definitionimage illustrated in FIGS. 4c, 5c and 6c , together with a histogram ofassociated image pixel values for the entire third-quality intermediateimage, wherein the third-quality intermediate image has a higher qualitythan the second-quality intermediate image illustrated in FIG. 5 a;

FIG. 6b illustrates a masked version of the third-progression,third-quality intermediate image illustrated in FIG. 6a , together witha histogram of associated image pixel values for the entire maskedthird-progression, third-quality intermediate image;

FIG. 6c illustrates, for purposes of comparison, the high-definitionimage the same as illustrated in FIGS. 4c and 5c —from which thethird-progression, third-quality intermediate image illustrated in FIG.6a is derived, together with a histogram of associated image pixelvalues for the entire high-definition image;

FIG. 6d illustrates a masked version of the high-definition imageillustrated in FIG. 6c , together with a histogram of associated imagepixel values for the entire masked high-definition image, wherein theassociated filter-mask parameter—associated with the associatedhistogram—was selected so that the corresponding images of FIGS. 6b and6d had similar appearance;

FIG. 7a is a copy of the first-progression, first-quality intermediateimage illustrated in FIG. 4a , for purposes of comparison with theintermediate images illustrated in FIGS. 5a /7 b and 6 a/7 c, and forcomparison with the high-definition image illustrated in FIGS. 4c, 5c,6c and 7 d;

FIG. 7b is a copy of the second-progression, second-quality intermediateimage illustrated in FIG. 5a , for purposes of comparison with theintermediate images illustrated in FIGS. 4a /7 a and 6 a/7 c, and forcomparison with the high-definition image illustrated in FIGS. 4c, 5c,6c and 7 d;

FIG. 7c is a copy of the third-progression, third-quality intermediateimage illustrated in FIG. 6a , for purposes of comparison with theintermediate images illustrated in FIGS. 4a /7 a and 5 a/7 b, and forcomparison with the high-definition image illustrated in FIGS. 4c, 5c,6c and 7 d;

FIG. 7d a copy of the high-definition image the same as illustrated inFIGS. 4c, 5c and 6c —from which the intermediate images illustrated inFIGS. 7a-7c were derived, for purposes of comparison therewith;

FIG. 8a is a copy of the masked first-progression, first-qualityintermediate image illustrated in FIG. 4b , for purposes of comparisonwith the masked intermediate images illustrated in FIGS. 5b /8 b and 6b/8 c, and for comparison with the high-definition image illustrated inFIGS. 4c, 5c, 6c, 7d and 8 d;

FIG. 8b is a copy of the masked second-progression, second-qualityintermediate image illustrated in FIG. 5b , for purposes of comparisonwith the masked intermediate images illustrated in FIGS. 4b /8 a and 6b/8 c, and for comparison with the high-definition image illustrated inFIGS. 4c, 5c, 6c, 7d and 8 d;

FIG. 8c is a copy of the masked third-progression, third-qualityintermediate image illustrated in FIG. 6b , for purposes of comparisonwith the masked intermediate images illustrated in FIGS. 4b /8 a and 5b/8 b, and for comparison with the high-definition image illustrated inFIGS. 4c, 5c, 6c, 7d and 8 d;

FIG. 8d a copy of the high-definition image—the same as illustrated inFIGS. 4c, 5c, 6c, 7d and 8d —from which the masked intermediate imagesillustrated in FIGS. 8a-8c were derived, for purposes of comparisontherewith;

FIG. 9 illustrates a first aspect of a process for progressivelyreceiving and forming intermediate and final images of aprogressively-displayed high-definition image, and for applyingassociated mask filters to the intermediate images either prior to, orduring, the display thereof, in accordance with the first aspect of theimage processing system illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 illustrates a second aspect of an image processing system thatprovides for progressively generating and masking associatedintermediate images of a progressively-displayed high-definition imageso as to provide for obscuring artifacts in the associated intermediateimages that are progressively displayed leading up to the display of thefinal high-definition image;

FIG. 11 illustrates a process for generating and masking progressiveimage components, and for storing the masked progressive imagecomponents for use by the second aspect of the image processing system;

FIG. 12 illustrates a process for progressively receiving and displayingmasked intermediate images and a final image of aprogressively-displayed high-definition image, in accordance with thesecond aspect of the image processing system illustrated in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13a is a compressed and tonally-shifted version of thefirst-progression, first-quality intermediate image illustrated in FIG.4a , together with a histogram of associated image pixel values for theentire image illustrated in FIG. 13a , in accordance with a secondaspect of an associated masking process;

FIG. 13b is a compressed and tonally-shifted version of thesecond-progression, second-quality intermediate image illustrated inFIG. 5a , together with a histogram of associated image pixel values forthe entire image illustrated in FIG. 13b , in accordance with the secondaspect of the associated masking process;

FIG. 13c is a compressed and tonally-shifted version of thethird-progression, third-quality intermediate image illustrated in FIG.6a , together with a histogram of associated image pixel values for theentire image illustrated in FIG. 13c , in accordance with the secondaspect of the associated masking process;

FIG. 13d a copy of the high-definition image—the same as illustrated inFIGS. 4c, 5c, 6c, 7d and 8d —from which the intermediate imagesillustrated in FIGS. 13a-13c were derived, for purposes of comparisontherewith, together with a histogram of associated image pixel valuesfor the entire image illustrated in FIG. 13 d;

FIG. 14 illustrates a flow chart of the first and second aspects of theimage processing system illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 10, respectively,from the point-of-view of an associated image server device; and

FIG. 15 illustrates a flow chart of the first and second aspects of theimage processing system illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 10, respectively,from the point-of-view of an associated image receiving and displaydevice.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring to FIG. 1, a first aspect 10.1 of an image processing system10, 10.1 provides for uploading both a high-definition image 12, IMG⁰and an associated set of mask parameters α^(N), α^(N−1), . . . , α², α¹from a website proprietor 14 to a webpage 16 of a server device 18,acting as an internet webserver 18′, for distribution to a clientinternet-connected receiving device 20, for example, operating aninternet web browser 22 under control of a user 24.

Due to transmission bandwidth limitations, the transmission, receipt anddisplay of a high-quality digital image is often preceded by one or morerelatively lower quality, and therefore lower bandwidth, initial and/orintermediate image representations so that viewer(s) thereof has/have aperceived lower delay before being able to assimilate image content.Such a practice is inherent in many progressive image delivery methodswhich either incrementally reconstruct and display higher spatial imagequality from an initial low-quality image as additional image data isreceived, or alternatively, which simply include the transmission,receipt and display of initial, low-quality placeholder images prior tothe receipt and display of the separate higher quality image. However,the low-quality initial or intermediate images of such methods aretypically of such low spatial quality that they may appear heavilypixelated, and therefore artificial or heavily blurred. These initialimages therefore represent a sufficiently substantial and unrealisticcompromise of spatial quality that many viewers prefer to simply waitfor the final high-quality image without having to view any priorintermediate image representations.

Generally, the progressive transmission and display of images providesfor transforming the content of a relatively-higher-quality image into abase image and one or more image supplements, or supplemental images,wherein the base image is transmitted and displayed first, and the oneor more image supplements or supplemental images are progressivelytransmitted and progressively used to increase the quality of, or detailin, the associated displayed image.

In accordance with a first aspect 26.1 of a progressive imaging process26, 26.1, successive image supplements Δ(k−1, k) are combined with theimage content of a predecessor image to generate its successor image,the latter being of relatively greater quality than the former, whereingenerally image supplement Δ(k−1, k) provides for transforming thek^(th) image of the progression into the corresponding (k−1)^(st) imageof the progression. For example, in accordance with what is known as“progressive JPEG” (Joint Photographic Experts Group), each imagesupplement Δ(k−1, k) comprises an additional set of coefficients forbuilding detail of higher spatial frequency in the JPEG-restored image.Alternatively, a high-quality image may be progressively, andlosslessly, transmitted, reconstructed and displayed in accordance withthe teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 8,798,136 or 8,855,195, each of which areincorporated herein by reference, wherein the image supplements Δ,(i,j)comprise the associated extra data that are combined with data of apredecessor image to generate a relatively-higher quality successorimage. In accordance with an interlaced imaging process, each imagesupplement Δ(k−1, k) may comprise values for additional pixels that weremissing from the predecessor image.

In accordance with a second aspect 26.2 of a progressive-imaging process26, 26.2, distinct supplemental images IMG^(K−1) are successivelydisplayed, wherein each successive supplemental images IMG^(K−1) is arelatively-higher quality image that replaces a correspondingrelatively-lower quality, and therefore, relatively-smaller bandwidth,predecessor image IMG^(K).

More particularly, in accordance with a first embodiment 10.1′ of thefirst-aspect image processing system 10, 10.1′ incorporating anassociated first-aspect progressive imaging process 26, 26.1, uponrequest from a user 24 seeking to display the high-definition image 12,IMG⁰ on the client internet-connected receiving device 20, the serverdevice 18 initially transmits a base image IMG^(N), followed by imagesupplements Δ(N−1,N), Δ(N−2,N−1), . . . , Δ(2,3), Δ(1,2), Δ(0−,1)thereto that provide for progressively improving the resolution of thedisplayed image, culminating with the display of the originalhigh-definition image 12, IMG⁰ to the extent possible, wherein, forexample, a first image supplement Δ(N−1,N) provides for generating afirst-improved image IMG^(N−1) from the original base image IMG^(N), asecond image supplement Δ(N−2,N−1) provides for generating asecond-improved image IMG^(N−2) from the first-improved image IMG^(N−1),and so on until the last image supplement Δ(0, 1) provides forgenerating the high-definition image 12, IMG⁰ from thenext-to-last-improved image IMG¹. The server device 18 further transmitsthe mask parameters α^(N), α^(N−1), . . . , α², α¹ that provide formasking the displayed images so as to obscureprogressive-display-related artifacts therein, in accordance with anassociated masking process.

Alternatively, in accordance with a second embodiment 10.1″ of the imageprocessing system 10, 10.1″, the first-aspect image processing system10, 10.1″ may alternatively utilize an underlying second-aspectprogressive-imaging process 26.2, wherein independent intermediateimages IMG^(N−1), image IMG^(N−2), . . . , image IMG², image IMG¹, andeventually the final image IMG⁰, are each transmitted in succession,rather than the above-described image supplements Δ,(i,j), wherein theseparate independent intermediate images IMG^(N−1), image IMG^(N−2), . .. , image IMG², image IMG¹ are each accompanied by the mask parametersα^(N), α^(N−1), . . . , α², α¹ that provide for masking the displayedimages so as to obscure progressive-display-related artifacts therein,in accordance with an associated masking process, the same as for theabove-described first embodiment 10.1′ of the first-aspect imageprocessing system 10, 10.1′.

The image processing system 10, 10.1 provides for masking theabove-described artifacts in the initial and/or intermediate imagerepresentations so that the underlying relatively low quality of theseimages is not perceived as such by the viewers, but instead, the viewerperceives an image having an underlying relatively high-quality contentthat emerges from a fog as the quality of the underlying intermediateimages improves.

This masking process can significantly improve the perceived spatialquality of progressively-delivered initial and intermediate images ofprogressive image delivery methods by restricting the spatial detailvisibility of such images so that low spatial quality is not immediatelyapparent, while simultaneously providing an impression or illusion ofpresumed high spatial quality being seen through, or behind, a realisticobscuring medium, for example, similar to a fog or haze, which obscuresthe presumed higher quality of the image. Accordingly, the presentationof progressively higher quality images with a concurrent progressivereduction of this obscuration gives the appearance of a gradual butrealistic removal or clearing of the perceived obscuring medium toreveal the final image quality which was reasonably presumed to alwaysexist but for the obscuration. This limitation of spatial visibility,hereinafter referred to as “masking”, may include, but is not limitedto, reductions in contrast, with or without changes in transparency,brightness and/or color, as represented by modifications of pixelvalues, for example, in one set of embodiments, resulting in, at aminimum, a compression or limitation of the range of tonal values of theimage histogram relative to that of the unmasked image. For example, ingeneral, such a compression or limitation may be applied by atransformation of the image tonal values by an associated mask filter 28as follows:

OutputPixelValue(i,j,k)=T(α^(k))·BackgroundPixelValue(i,j)+(1−T(α^(k)))·P(i,j,k)  (1)

wherein:

P(i,j,k)=HalfMax+Bias(α^(k))+γ(α^(k))·(InputPixelValue(i,j,k)−HalfMax)  (2)

and:

-   i, j are pixel coordinates in the display;-   k is the progressive image progression level, wherein k=0 for the    original high-quality image, and k=N for the lowest quality version    of that image;-   α^(k) is the mask parameter used for masking the k^(th) progression    of the progressive image, which controls the quality of the    resulting masked image per the preference of either the website    proprietor or the client, with the level of quality decreasing with    increasing value of the progression level k, wherein the mask    parameters are in one-to-one correspondence with the progression    levels of the associated progressively-encoded image;-   BackgroundPixelValue(i,j) the value of the image pixel at location    (i,j) that would otherwise be displayed, absent a display of the    progressive image. For example, wherever an image is displayed,    typically there is some default value of each pixel (i,j) on the    display in that location before even the first, lowest quality image    is displayed. For example, a webpage may have a default background    color of white before anything is actually displayed from the    progressive image. Accordingly, BackgroundPixelValue(i,j) is the    value that the pixel would have had prior to displaying the    corresponding pixel of the first progression of the progressive    image.-   T(α^(k)) is a transparency level ranging in value between 0 and 1,    with 0 providing for a fully opaque image over the corresponding    associated BackgroundPixelValue(i,j), and 1 providing for a fully    transparent image over the corresponding associated    BackgroundPixelValue(i,j), wherein the transparency level T(α^(k))    is dependent upon the value of the mask parameter α^(k), i.e.    dependent upon the level of quality of the associated progressive    image. For example, in one set of embodiments, the transparency    level T(α^(k)) decreases with increasing image quality, i.e. with    increasing value of mask parameter α^(k), the latter of which    increases with decreasing value of the progression level k, so that    the initial image of the progression of images is most transparent,    and the final image of the progression of images is least    transparent;-   InputPixelValue(i, j, k) is the tonal value of a given image pixel    at pixel location (i, j) of the kth progression of the associated    progressive image;-   OutputPixelValue(i, j, k) is the transformed tonal value of the    corresponding pixel at pixel location (i, j) the kth progression of    the associated masked progressive image, wherein in all cases the    OutputPixelValue(i, j, k) is clamped between 0 and the maximum range    of tonal value;-   HalfMax is one half the maximum of the range of tonal values, for    example 255 as a maximum value for an 8 bit tonal value;-   Bias(α^(k)) is an amount to shift the resulting tonal values,    thereby increasing or decreasing overall image brightness, which may    generally be dependent upon the value of the mask parameter α^(k),    i.e. dependent upon the level of quality of the associated    progressive image; and    -   γ(α^(k)) is a compression factor that ranges in value between 0        and 1, wherein a value of 1 provides for no compression and a        value of 0 provides for complete compression, thereby reducing        image contrast, and the value of the compression factor γ(α^(k))        may generally be dependent upon the value of the mask parameter        α^(k), i.e. dependent upon the level of quality of the        associated progressive image. For example, in one set of        embodiments, the value of the compression factor γ(α^(k))        increases with increasing image quality, i.e. with increasing        value of mask parameter α^(k), the latter of which increases        with decreasing value of the progression level k, so that the        amount of compression decreases with increasing image quality.

For example, the transparency level T(α^(k)), bias(α^(k)), andcompression factor γ(α^(k)) parameters of the mask filter 28 maydetermined by either the website proprietor/owner or the client/user, asa function of, or for discrete levels of, the mask parameter α^(k)measure of image quality, so as to provide for subjectively optimizingthe presentation of progressive images. More particularly, these threeparameters T(α^(k)), bias(α^(k)), γ(α^(k)) ultimately impact thevisibility of the spatial detail of the image and therefore can be tunedto mask the perceived low quality of initial and intermediate images ofa progressively-encoded image, so that the evolving image is perceivedas one of high quality notwithstanding the obscuration of the initialand intermediate images by the mask filter 28.

It should be understood that the mask parameter α^(k) can be either asingular value as described hereinabove—with the other parametersT(α^(k)), bias(α^(k)), γ(α^(k)) dependent thereupon—or may be an arrayor set of parameters, for example, individual values of the transparencylevel T^(k), bias^(k), compression factor γ^(k), or one or more otherimaging parameters, for example, color balance or value.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the mask parameters α^(N), α^(N−1), . . . ,α², α¹ may be manually set by the user 24 by simulating the progressivedelivery of the high-definition image 12, IMG⁰, and then, for each levelof progression, determining the associated mask parameters α^(N),α^(N−1), . . . , α², α¹ of an associated mask filter or maskingalgorithm as necessary to sufficiently reduce or obscure progressionrelated granularity in the resulting masked image.

More particularly, referring to FIG. 2, the mask-filter design process200 commences in step (202) with receipt of a high-definition image 12,IMG⁰ to be used as a basis for establishing the associated maskparameters α^(N), α^(N−1), . . . , α², α¹ of the mask filter 28. Then,in step (204), the associated progressive imaging process 26, 26.1, 26.2corresponding to what will ultimately be used by the webpage 16 toprogressively transform the image high-definition image 12, IMG⁰, andused for the display thereof by the internet web browser 22 on theclient internet-connected receiving device 20—is simulated to providefor generating the plurality of associated lower-quality progressiveimages IMG^(N), IMG^(N−1), IMG^(N−2), . . . , image IMG², image IMG¹associated with the high-definition image 12, IMG⁰. Then, in step (206),for each of the lower-quality progressive images IMG^(N), IMG^(N−1),IMG^(N−2), . . . , image IMG², image IMG¹, the corresponding associatedmask parameter α^(N), α^(N−1), α^(N−2), . . . , α², α¹ is determined byan associated mask-parameter determination process 300, which, referringto FIG. 3, commences in step (302) with receipt of the particularlower-quality progressive image IMG^(k) for which the associated maskparameter α^(k) is to be determined. Then, in step (304), the associatedmask parameter α^(k)—or mask parameters α^(k) for the case of α^(k)being an array of mask parameters—are initialized to an initial value,for example, a nominal value or set of values for the lowest-qualityprogressive images IMG^(N), or the previously-determined value(s)α^(k+1) for subsequent lower-quality progressive images IMG^(k<N). Then,in step (306), the lower-quality progressive image IMG^(k) is masked bythe mask filter 28, for example, in accordance with equations 1 and 2,so as to generate an associated masked lower-quality progressive imageIMG^(k′), which, in step (308), is viewed—for example, by the websiteproprietor 14—and subjectively judged in step (310) by the viewer toassess whether the associated progression-related granularity that mightbe visible in the masked lower-quality progressive image IMG^(k′) isobjectionable, or, at the other extreme, the masking has been excessive.If the resulting masked lower-quality progressive image IMG^(k′) has anacceptable appearance, then, in step (312), the mask parameter α^(k), ormask parameters α^(k), are returned to the mask-filter design process200, which then proceeds to the next lower-quality progressive imageIMG^(k−1). Otherwise, from step (310), then, in step (314), the maskparameter α^(k), or mask parameters α^(k), is/are either increased invalue to further reduce progression-related granularity in the maskedlower-quality progressive image IMG^(k′), or reduced in value todecrease the amount of masking, and therefor provide for displayinggreater detail. Then, the mask-parameter determination process 300 isrepeated beginning with step (306), until the acceptable mask parameterα^(k), or mask parameters α^(k), is/are returned in step (312).

For example, in accordance with a first set of embodiments, the maskparameters α^(N), α^(N−1), . . . , α², α¹ provide for setting thecontrast and transparency (similarly—opacity) of the masked image, forexample, via the above-described compression factor γ(α^(k)), andtransparency level T(α^(k)), respectively. These adjustments for eachlevel of progressive image quality are determined using example imagesof a particular progressive scheme because the perceived quality oflow-quality images is dependent on that scheme. However, suchdetermination may be done visually, with masking to the extent thatproduces a result which appears as the high-quality image masked by arealistic medium such as a fog or low light level. In accordance withone set of embodiments, the values of the associated the mask parametersα^(N), α^(N−1), . . . , α², α¹ are currently tailored for a particularprogressive imaging process 26, 26.1, 26.2, regardless of the ultimatecontent of the sent images, and these mask parameters α^(N), α^(N−1), .. . , α², α¹ are then later sent to the client internet-connectedreceiving device 20 to be automatically applied to the associatedprogressively-displayed images, for example, through instructions in theHTML code which controls how the webpage 16 is to be drawn/presented.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in accordance with one set of embodiments,the mask-filter design process 200 is operated by the website proprietor14 on the server device 18/internet webserver 18′ after transmitting thehigh-definition image 12, IMG⁰ provided thereto, whereby the associatedmask parameters α^(N), α^(N−1), α^(N−2), . . . , α², α¹ are thenconfigured on the server device 18/internet webserver 18′.Alternatively, in accordance with another set of embodiments, themask-filter design process 200 could be operated by the websiteproprietor 14 as an image processing application on a separate computersystem, for example, on an image server device 30 such as a secondaryinternet webserver 30′, which then transmits the resulting maskparameters α^(N), α^(N−1), α^(N−2), . . . , α², α¹ to the primaryinternet webserver 18′ on the primary server device 18.

The effect of the mask filter 28 is illustrated in FIGS. 4a-c, 5a-c and6a-c for three lower-quality images IMG³, IMG², IMG¹ of progressivelyhigher spatial quality, shown in FIGS. 4a, 5a and 6a respectively, thatare sequentially displayed in advance of a final, relatively-higherspatial quality image IMG⁰ shown in FIGS. 4c, 5c and 6c , allexemplifying the associated progressive-imaging process 26, 26.1, 26.2.FIGS. 4b, 5b and 6b illustrate corresponding masked lower-quality imagesIMG^(3′), IMG^(2′), IMG^(1′) resulting from the application of maskfilter 28 of the image processing system 10 to mask visible spatialdetail of artifacts in the lower-quality images IMG³, IMG², IMG¹ ofFIGS. 4a, 5a and 6a , respectively, through a reduction in contrastresulting in a compression of the image histogram shown as an inset ineach of FIGS. 4a-b, 5a-b and 6a-b . The amount of the associated imagecompression is determined so as to decrease the visibility of spatialdetail in the lower-quality images IMG³, IMG², IMG¹ to a level which notonly obscures the appearance of low spatial quality in the lower-qualityimages IMG³, IMG², IMG¹ but also provide for corresponding resultingmasked lower-quality images IMG^(3′), IMG^(2′), IMG^(1′) that eachreasonably appear as a final high-resolution image obscured by asimilar, though not necessarily identical, contrast reduction, ormasking, thereof, as illustrated in FIGS. 4d, 5d and 6d , respectively.Accordingly, in one set of embodiments, the mask parameters α^(N),α^(N−1), . . . , α², α¹ of the mask filter 28 are determined so that themasked lower-quality images IMG^(3′), IMG^(2′), IMG^(′) have anappearance that is similar to the similarly-masked high-definition image12, IMG⁰, so that the progression-related artifacts in the lower-qualityimages IMG³, IMG², IMG¹ are obscured, whereby the masked lower-qualityimages IMG^(3′), IMG^(2′), IMG^(1′) are substantially indistinguishablefrom a similarly masked high-definition image 12, IMG⁰, leaving animpression of the object in the high-definition image 12, IMG⁰ emergingfrom a fog as the image progression of the associatedprogressively-displayed high-definition image 12, IMG⁰ progresses. Theassociated amount of masking (e.g. contrast reduction) and the actualalgorithm for masking each progressive initial image is determined inadvance; stored as masking parameters on the server device 18; andthereafter sent to the client internet-connected receiving device 20with instructions regarding their application prior to, or simultaneouswith, the sending of each progressively-higher-quality image so thatsuch masking can be applied, and resulting intermediate imagesthereafter displayed, by the client internet-connected receiving device20. For example, such instructions and parameters, including the maskingalgorithms themselves, may be included as part of the Hypertext MarkupLanguage (HTML) of a webpage 16 provided by a internet webserver 18′, tobe processed by an internet web browser 22 on a clientinternet-connected device 22 . Note that FIGS. 4d, 5d and 6d are notnecessarily intended as the visual goal of the masking result of FIGS.4b, 5b and 6b , respectively, but simply to illustrate that masking ofthe lower-quality images may be easily interpreted as a realisticobscuration of the spatial detail inherent in the high-quality,high-definition image 12, IMG⁰.

Whereas FIGS. 4a-b, 5a-b and 6a-b illustrate the processing and displayof each progressively higher quality initial image, the comparisonbetween a progressive image display with and without masking is moreeasily seen by rearranging the images of FIGS. 4a-c, 5a-c and 6a-c intoFIGS. 7a-d and 8a-d , wherein the progression from low to high imagequality without masking is shown in FIGS. 7a through 7d , and theprogression from low to high image quality with masking is shown inFIGS. 8a through 8d . Such comparison illustrates that whereas theunmasked versions clearly shows initial images of unrealistically lowquality, the progressive, masked images provide a visual suppression ofthe low spatial quality of such images while providing an impression ofan inherently high-resolution image gradually being revealed in a morenatural, realistic way.

For example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4b, 4d, 5b, 5d, 6b,6d and 8a-c , the masking was originally performed using CorelPhoto-Paint version X6 with the menu drop down item “Adjust”, byselecting “Brightness/Contrast/Intensity” to bring up a tool window withbrightness, contrast and intensity, each having a slider that providesfor selecting a value in the range of −100 to 100, with 0 being theunmodified setting, using the following, visually-determined settings:FIG. 4b : Contrast=−93; FIG. 5b : Contrast=−88; and FIG. 6b :Contrast=−30. The histograms illustrated in FIGS. 4a-d, 5a-d and 6a-dcorrespond to the correspond to the original images presented in U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/669,296 filed on 9 May 2018.However, the corresponding masked images of FIGS. 4b, 4d, 5b, 5d, 6b, 6dand 8a-c of the instant application were generated using Adobe PhotoshopVersion 12.0x32 using respective Legacy Brightness/Contrast levels of−80, −60 and −40, respectively, within an available range of +/−100, soas to provide for printable images that better illustrates the maskingprocess.

Referring again to FIG. 1, if the image processing system 10, 10.1utilizes the first-aspect progressive imaging process 26, 26.1 toprogressively transform and transmit the high-definition image 12, IMG⁰,then the base image IMG^(N) is initially transmitted to the clientinternet-connected receiving device 20, followed by image supplementsΔ(N−1,N), Δ(N−2,N−1), . . . , Δ(2,3), Δ(1,2), Δ(0−,1) interleaved withthe associated mask parameters α^(N), α^(N−1), α^(N−2), . . . , α², α¹,wherein the image supplements Δ(N−1,N), Δ(N−2,N−1), . . . , Δ(2,3),Δ(1,2), Δ(0−,1) provide for progressively reconstructingprogressively-higher-resolution images, beginning with the base imageIMG^(N), and culminating with the high-definition image 12, IMG⁰. Eachprogressively-encoded lower-quality progressive image IMG^(k) leading upto the high-definition image 12, IMG⁰ is filtered by a mask filter 28 onthe client internet-connected receiving device 20 using the associatedmask parameters α^(k) to generate an associated masked lower-qualityprogressive image IMG^(k′) that is displayed on the clientinternet-connected receiving device 20, either as determined by theclient internet-connected receiving device 20, or responsive toinstructions from the server device 18, for example via software encodedin a webpage 16 to be processed by an internet web browser 22, for thedisplay of an intermediate image while the actual, unmasked,lower-quality progressive images IMG^(k) (or the associated datathereof) are used for progressively reconstructing the lower-qualityprogressive images IMG^(k) and eventually the high-definition image 12,IMG⁰. For example, a progressively encoded JPEG (Joint PhotographicExperts Group) image provides progressively higher quality intermediaterenderings of an image as data is received and decoded prior topresentation of the final high-definition image 12, IMG⁰. Therefore, inaccordance with the first aspect of the image processing system 10,10.1, the client internet-connected receiving device 20 uses the maskfilters 18, or associated masking algorithms, only for the display ofthe masked lower-quality progressive image IMG^(k′), whereas theunmasked lower-quality progressive images IMG^(k) are successivelypreserved in support of the progressive JPEG reconstruction process.

In accordance with one set of embodiments of the first aspect imageprocessing system 10, 10.1, given the particular progressive imagedisplay algorithm to be used, the number of levels of image progression(and corresponding number of intermediate images), and the selection ofcorresponding associated values for the mask parameters α^(N), α^(N−1),. . . , α², α¹, the progressively-improved images are generated, maskedand displayed on the client internet-connected receiving device 20 inaccordance with the process illustrated in FIG. 9, culminating with anunmasked display of the high-definition image 12, IMG⁰.

More particularly, referring to FIG. 9, in accordance with a set ofembodiments of the first-aspect image processing system 10, 10.1incorporating a first-aspect progressive imaging process 26, 26.1, aprogressive image-masking and display process 900 operative on theclient internet-connected receiving device 20 provides for receiving,from the server device 18, a base image IMG^(N), a plurality ofassociated image supplements Δ(N−1,N), Δ(N−2,N−1), . . . , Δ(2,3),Δ(1,2), Δ(0−,1), and a plurality of associated mask parameters α^(N),α^(N−1), α^(N−2), . . . , α², α¹ interleaved therewith, and thengenerating therefrom, and displaying, a corresponding plurality ofmasked lower-quality progressive images IMG^(N′), IMG^(N−2′), . . . ,IMG^(2′), IMG^(1′)—with progressively increasing quality—culminatingwith an unmasked display of the high-definition image 12, IMG⁰. Theprogressive image-masking process 900 commences in step (902) withreceipt of the base image IMG^(N) and the associated mask parameterα^(N), after which, in step (904), the corresponding maskedlowest-quality progressive image IMG^(N′) is generated by the associatedmask filter 28 from the lowest-quality progressive image IMG^(N) (i.e.the base image IMG^(N)), with an associated level of masking controlledby the value of the mask parameter α^(N), after which the resultingmasked lowest-quality progressive image IMG^(N′) is displayed. Inembodiments for which the total number N of intermediate, lower-qualityprogressive images IMG^(N) is given a priori, in step (906), a counter kmay be initialized to a value of N−1 to track the number of remaininglower-quality progressive images IMG^(k) to be processed in subsequentsteps (908) through (912). Then, in step (908), the next imagesupplement Δ(k,k+1) and an associated mask parameter α^(k) are receivedform the server device 18. The image supplement Δ(k,k+1) is an imagetransition component that provides for generating the next lower-qualityprogressive image IMG^(k) from the previous lower-quality progressiveimage IMG^(k+1), with the former being of higher quality than thelatter. Then, in step (910), the next progression lower-qualityprogressive image IMG^(k) is generated responsive to both the previouslower-quality progressive image IMG^(k+1) and the image supplementΔ(k,k+1), in accordance with a counterpart to the first-aspectprogressive imaging process 26, 26.1 of the server device 18. Then, instep (912), the corresponding masked lower-quality progressive imageIMG^(k′) is generated by the associated mask filter 28 from thelower-quality progressive image IMG^(k) using the associated maskparameter α^(k), which provides progressively less masking for theprevious masked lower-quality progressive image IMG^(k+1′), after whichthe resulting masked lower-quality progressive image IMG^(k′) isdisplayed. Then, steps (914) and (916) respectively provide for testingand decrementing the counter k so as to provide for repeating steps(908) through (912) for each of the progressively-increasing-qualitylower-quality progressive images IMG^(k) and associated maskedlower-quality progressive images IMG^(k′). Then, in step (918), a finalimage supplement Δ(0,1) is received, from which, in step (920), thefinal, high-definition image 12, IMG⁰ is generated and displayed,without masking. Alternatively, instead of using a counter k andassociated steps (906), (914) and (916), the termination of repetitionsof steps (908) through (912) could be controlled by a signal from theserver device 18 indicating when to transition to step (918).

If, instead, the image processing system 10, 10.1 utilizes thesecond-aspect progressive imaging process 26, 26.2 to progressivelytransform and transmit the high-definition image 12, IMG⁰, thelower-quality progressive images IMG^(k) are each independent of oneanother and are each transmitted along with an associated mask parameterα^(k), the latter of which are used by an associated mask filter 28 onthe client internet-connected receiving device 20 to generate thecorresponding masked lower-quality progressive image IMG^(k′) from thecorresponding lower-quality progressive images IMG^(k) for display onthe client internet-connected receiving device 20.

Referring to FIG. 10, in accordance with a second aspect 10.2 of theimage processing system 10, 10.2, the masking of the lower-qualityprogressive images IMG^(N), IMG^(N−1), IMG^(N−2), . . . , IMG², IMG¹ isdone either on the server device 18 or on an associated image serverdevice 30, and the components of the progressive image are eachtransmitted from the server device 18, or the associated image serverdevice 30, to the client internet-connected receiving device 20 asmasked lower-quality progressive images IMG^(N′), IMG^(N−1′),IMG^(N−2′), . . . , IMG^(2′), IMG^(1′), culminating with thehigh-definition image 12, IMG⁰, each of which are displayed directly bythe client internet-connected receiving device 20, thereby freeing theclient internet-connected receiving device 20 from further processing ofthe images. In accordance with one set of embodiments, the maskparameters α^(N), α^(N−1), α^(N−2), . . . , α², α¹ are determined in thesame manner as described hereinabove for the first-aspect imageprocessing system 10,10.1, i.e. in accordance with the mask-filterdesign process 200 operating on either the server device 18 or anassociated image server device 30, 30′, for the particular associatedprogressive imaging process 26, 26.1, 26.2, except that the associatedmasked lower-quality progressive images IMG^(N′), IMG^(N−1′),IMG^(N−2′), . . . , IMG^(2′), IMG^(1′) generated in step (308) are savedfor eventual transmission to the client internet-connected receivingdevice 20. Alternatively, the mask parameters α^(N), α^(N−1), α^(N−2), .. . , α², α¹ alone may be determined by the mask-filter design process200 on the image server device 30 and then transmitted to the serverdevice 18 along with the high-definition image 12, IMG⁰, the latter ofwhich is then progressively encoded and then masked by an associatedprogressive image-masking process 1100 on the server device 18 foreventual transmission to the client internet-connected receiving device20.

More particularly, referring to FIG. 11, beginning with step (1102) ofthe progressive image-masking process 1100, for each lower-quality imagecomponent k of the associated progressively generated image, generatedfrom the high-definition image 12, IMG⁰ received from the websiteproprietor 14, in step (1104), the next progressive image componentIMG^(k) is generated by the associated progressive imaging process 26,26.1, 26.2 and the associated mask parameter α^(N) is received from thewebsite proprietor 14, after which, in step (1106), the correspondingmasked lower-quality progressive image IMG^(k′) is generated from thecorresponding lower-quality progressive image IMG^(k) by the mask filter28 using the given value of the mask parameter α^(N), after which, instep (1108), the masked lower-quality progressive image IMG^(k′) issaved for eventual transmission to the client internet-connectedreceiving device 20. From step (1110), steps (1104) through (1108) arerepeated for each lower-quality image component k, after which, in step(1112), the masked lower-quality progressive images IMG^(k′) arereturned for eventual transmission to the client internet-connectedreceiving device 20.

Alternatively, the lower-quality progressive images IMG^(N), IMG^(N−1),IMG^(N−2), . . . , IMG², IMG¹ associated with the high-definition image12, IMG⁰ may be masked to lower quality place holder images before theyare transmitted to a client internet-connected receiving device 20, suchas a computer with an internet web browser 22, since such images aretypically discarded as higher quality images become available. In suchcases, due to a reduction in the image complexity as a result of suchmasking, such image processing will likely result in greater compressionefficiency and therefore faster transmission, without requiringsubsequent masking by the client internet-connected receiving device 20.

Referring to FIG. 12, in accordance with the second-aspect imageprocessing system 10, 10.2, an associated masked-progressive-imagedisplay process 1200 provides for displaying fully-formed maskedlower-quality progressive images IMG^(N′), IMG^(N−1′), IMG^(N−2′), . . ., IMG^(2′), IMG^(1′) of progressively-increasing quality from the serverdevice 18, culminating with receipt and display of the unmaskedhigh-definition image 12, IMG⁰. The masked base image IMG^(N′) is firstreceived and displayed in step (1202). Then, for an image componentcounter k—the value of which is initialized in step (1204) to one lessthan the total number of image components—for each of the maskedlower-quality progressive images IMG^(N′), IMG^(N−1′), IMG^(N−2′), . . ., IMG^(2′), IMG^(1′), the next masked lower-quality progressive imagesIMG^(k′) is received in step (1206) and displayed in step (1208), afterwhich, in step (1210), if all masked lower-quality progressive imagesIMG^(k′) have not been displayed, then, in step (1212), the imagecomponent counter k is decremented, and the process 1200 repeatsbeginning with step (1206). Otherwise, from step (1210), after all thelower-quality image components have been received and displayed, theunmasked high-definition image 12, IMG⁰ is received in step (1214) andthen displayed in step (1216).

The amount of spatial detail masking for the best progressive imagepresentation can be largely subjective. The mask filter or filteringalgorithm provides for sufficiently masking the appearance of spatialdetail so that the progressive process appears as a gradual removal ofhigh spatial detail masking rather than a gradual increase in spatialquality itself. However, such masking necessarily diminishes the detailin the lower resolution images that may help the viewer more rapidlyassimilate the content the entire purpose of progressive imaging. Sowhile a certain degree of masking can be applied to initial images tominimize the impression that the image is indeed one of lower quality,such masking would be weighed against the benefit of additional albeitlow resolution detail. Accordingly, the relative subjectiveness of theideal amount of masking suggests that general masking parameters, suchas the amount of contrast modification, are somewhat flexible. To makethe application of such masking simpler, such parameters may thereforebe generally assigned based upon the actual native resolution, orinherent relative quality between a given low resolution image and thefinal image, rather than the actual content of those images, making suchparameters a simple function of the given progressive imaging approachas modified by the inclinations of those tasked with determining suchbest parameters, rather than requiring an analysis of each image.

In accordance with another aspect of the image processing system 10, onemay further artificially enhance the lower resolution image prior to theapplication of the masking process to bring out the appearance of higherspatial quality detail, as long as such enhancement does notsimultaneously enhance the appearance of low spatial quality. Suchenhancement may include, but is not limited to, artificial emphasis ofedge structures in the image. Whereas such enhancement may be taken toan excessive degree when treating unmasked images of low spatialquality, thereby increasing an artificial appearance, the associatedmasking process will also decrease the visibility of such enhancement,allowing for more aggressive application of the enhancement prior tomasking.

The progressive reduction of applied masking with progressiveimprovement in the inherent spatial image quality provides the effect ofrevealing an image which seems like it had always possessed high spatialquality, with the visibility of that high spatial quality being obscuredby the masking. Yet another interpretation is that the high-qualityimage actually fades in, in front of the mask, and ultimately obscuresthe mask, making the mask gradually disappear while the high-qualityimage gradually appears. Accordingly, the characteristics of the maskingprocess may include not only a reduction in the visibility of thelow-quality image spatial detail, but may also include characteristicsof a background image by blending the masked lower-quality image withthe background image. As a very simple example, the masked low-qualityimage may include a degree of transparency, whether global or as a pixellevel image transparency component, which is initially high andprogressively decreases as the image quality progressively increases andas the contrast restriction progressively decreases, providing theeffect of the high-quality image gradually appearing in front of such abackground. As a similar example, the masked low-quality image mayinclude progressive changes in brightness, such as may naturally andrealistically occur when either gradually turning on a light, or eventurning it down to improve visual contrast. This is particularlyrelevant when the background of a display is white, such as is the casewith many internet websites, and the desired effect is to have an imageprogressively appear from the background.

As a further example, in accordance with a second aspect of a maskingprocess, the intermediate images of FIGS. 4a, 5a and 6a are masked toboth compress and shift their tonal values to create the respectivemasked lower-quality progressive images IMG^(3″), IMG^(2″), IMG^(1″) ofFIGS. 13a, 13b and 13c , respectively, culminating with the final,unmasked high-definition image 12, IMG⁰ illustrated in FIG. 13d , allsuch images including their respective tonal histograms. The progressiveimages resulting from this second aspect of the masking processtherefore provide a similar effect to the first aspect of the maskingprocess—affecting contrast alone—in that the image offers thepresumption or illusion that high spatial quality exists but, in thiscase, is being masked by a generally white mask which progressivelyfades to reveal the final image. However, since the generally white maskmay initially create the same appearance as the white page backgroundbefore the first, masked initial low-quality image appears (such acompletely masked, uniform white image not shown), the high resolutionimage appears to be progressively revealed from the page as if fading infrom that background, while also providing the illusion that presumablyhigh spatial detail is simply being revealed as part of that process.

The utility of the masking process of the image processing system 10fundamentally relies on the fact that a reduction in contrast makesspatial details in an image more difficult to see. In its most basicform, such a reduction can be either a linear or a non-linearcompression, or even truncation of the tonal values of the imagehistogram. In fact, while brightness changes simply shift image tonalhistogram rather than compress it, such shifting can ultimately act toalso limit the histogram once existing, but shifted, tonal values reacheither the maximum or minimum allowable levels, which is why brightnesscan ultimately be increased until the only remaining tonal level is themaximum (i.e. a uniformly bright image), or decreased until the onlyremaining tonal level is zero (i.e. a uniformly dark image), in bothcases resulting in no remaining visible spatial detail. A similarexplanation applies to changes in transparency, because the displayedpixel values are often a simple weighted averaging of foreground andbackground images. If the background image is completely white, then thetonal histogram of the composite image will be both compressed andshifted to white to a degree determined by the transparency. If thebackground image is completely black, then the tonal histogram of thecomposite image will be both compressed and shifted to black, again to adegree determined by the transparency. In both cases, since the tonalhistogram of the displayed, composite image has been compressed, thespatial detail of the foreground image will be more difficult to see.Therefore the associated masking process of the image processing system10 may combine a number of methods which effectively modify thevisibility of spatial detail, so as to appear as an obscuration of thatdetail, without changing spatial detail itself, but rather, changing thevisibility of that spatial detail through adjustment of the tonal valuesof the displayed image.

In general, the mask filters or masking algorithms may be applied toprogressive images either in accordance with predetermined instructionsgiven by a server device 18 to a client internet-connected receivingdevice 20, such as through the software encoding included in, oraccessed by, a webpage 16, or may be applied independently by a clientinternet-connected receiving device 20 upon detection of a progressiveimage without such instruction. For example, progressive JPEG images areinherently encoded with, and detectable as, providing data fordisplaying progressively higher quality images, and a server device 18may include instructions for the resultant masking of such progressiveJPEG images. However, in the absence of such instructions, and upon suchdetection, a client internet-connected receiving device 20 mayindependently apply masking in accordance with general masking settingsresident on the client internet-connected receiving device 20, such assettings within an internet browser application, which, for example,show the initial images of progressive JPEG images with highertransparency and then decreasing such transparency as the qualityimproves. Progressive JPEG images, while often requiring less bandwidththan non-progressive JPEG images, are at present little used inwebsites, presumably due to the low and artificial initial spatialquality as well as the difficulty in visually determining when the finalimage is achieved. The application of progressively-decreasing maskingwhile image quality progressively increases may serve to mitigate theseissues.

Accordingly, the masking of intermediate images associated with aprogressive display of a high-definition image provides forsignificantly diminishing the often objectionable, obvious low orartificial visual spatial quality of the initial and intermediateimages, while still providing sufficient, progressively improving imagedetail to accelerate the viewer's assimilation of the content of thatimage.

Referring to FIG. 14, in accordance with either the first 10.1 or second10.2 aspects of the image processing system 10, 10.1, 10.1′, 10.1″,10.2, a method 1400 of processing and providing a progressively-encodedimage—by a server device 18 acting as an image server—commences in step(1402) with receipt of a high-definition image 12, IMG⁰, for example,from a website proprietor 14. Then, in step (1404), the associated maskparameters α^(N), α^(N−1), . . . , α², α¹ are configured, for example,using the associated mask-filter design process 200 that is run oneither the server device 18, or on a separate image server device 30.

Then, in step (1406), if each progressively-high-quality image componentIMG^(k−1) requires data from a previous-lower-quality image componentIMG^(k), i.e. as a result of progressive-encoding by an associatedfirst-aspect progressive imaging process 26, 26.1, then, in step (1408),the server device 18 awaits a demand for an image from an associatedclient internet-connected receiving device 20, and upon receipt thereof,in step (1410), sends to the client internet-connected receiving device20 the lowest-quality, base image IMG^(N), following by the associatedimage supplements Δ(N−1,N), Δ(N−2,N−1), . . . , Δ(2,3), Δ(1,2), Δ(0−,1)and, interleaved therewith, the associated mask parameters α^(N),α^(N−1), α^(N−2), . . . , α², α¹, together with instructions to applythe mask parameters α^(N), α^(N−1), α^(N−2), . . . , α², α¹ to thedisplay of corresponding progressively-high-quality image componentIMG^(k−1) as data of the image supplements Δ(N−1,N), Δ(N−2,N−1), . . . ,Δ(2,3), Δ(1,2), Δ(0−,1) and mask parameters α^(N), α^(N−1), α^(N−2), . .. , α², α¹ is received, in accordance with the process 100 schematicallyillustrated in FIG. 1.

Otherwise, from step (1406), if the progressively-encoded images IMG^(k)are generated in accordance with the second-aspect progressive-imagingprocess 26, 26.2, then, in step (1412), each lower-quality progressiveimages IMG^(N), IMG^(N−1), IMG^(N−2), . . . , IMG², IMG¹ is masked by amask filter 28 using a corresponding associated mask parameter α^(N),α^(N−1), α^(N−2), . . . , α², α¹ wherein the masking is done during themask-filter design process 200, or by a subsequent progressiveimage-masking process 1100. Then, in step (1414), the server device 18awaits a demand for an image from an associated clientinternet-connected receiving device 20, and upon receipt thereof, instep (1416), successively sends to the client internet-connectedreceiving device 20 each masked lower-quality progressive imageIMG^(N′), IMG^(N−1′), IMG^(N−2′), . . . , IMG^(2′), IMG^(1′)—in asuccession of progressively-increasing image quality—following by theoriginal high-definition image 12, IMG⁰, for example, in accordance withthe process 1000 schematically illustrated in FIG. 10.

Referring to FIG. 15, in accordance with either the first 10.1 or second10.2 aspects of the image processing system 10, 10.1, 10.1′, 10.1″,10.2, a method 1500 of processing and displaying a maskedprogressively-encoded image—by a client internet-connected receivingdevice 20 commences with receipt of an image in step (1502). If, in step(1504), the received image includes masking and display instructionsthat provide for treating the image as a series ofprogressively-improving-quality images, then, in step (1506), if theimage does not contain instructions to replace each of theprogressively-improving-quality images with aprogressively-higher-quality masked image as data is received, i.e. inaccordance with a first-aspect image processing system 10, 10.1, 10.1′,10.1″, also referred to as a first option, in step (1508), a base imageIMG^(N) is received. Then, in step (1510), if the current image is notthe final high-definition image 12, IMG⁰, then in step (1512), if thecurrent, received image is not an image supplements Δ(k,k+1), then thecurrent, received image is masked by the mask filter 28 using theassociated mask parameter α^(k) and then displayed. If the current,received image is an image supplements Δ(k,k+1)—in accordance with afirst-aspect progressive imaging process 26, 26.1—then the correspondinglower-quality progressive images IMG^(k−1) is first formed therefrombased upon the previous lower-quality progressive images IMG^(k) beforemasking and display. Then, in step (1514), depending upon theprogressive imaging process 26, 26.1, 26.2, the next image supplementsΔ(k,k+1) or image IMG^(k) is received, along with the associated maskparameter α^(k), after which, the process repeats beginning with step(1510). Otherwise, from step (1510), if the final level of progress hasbeen reached, then, in step (1516), the high-definition image 12, IMG⁰is displayed, without masking.

Otherwise, from step (1506), if the image contains instructions toreplace each of the progressively-improving-quality images with aprogressively-higher-quality masked image as data is received, i.e. inaccordance with a second-aspect image processing system 10, 10.2, alsoreferred to as a second option, in step (1518), the masked lower-qualityprogressive images IMG^(N′), IMG^(N−1′), IMG^(N−2′), . . . , IMG^(2′),IMG^(1′), followed by the high-definition image 12, IMG⁰, are receivedand progressively displayed in accordance with themasked-progressive-image display process 1200 illustrated in FIG. 12.

Otherwise, from step (1504), if the received image does not includemasking and display instructions that provide for treating the image asa series of progressively-improving-quality images, then, in step(1520), if a progressively-encoded image has been received, but withoutdisplay instructions, then, in accordance with a third aspect 10.3 of animage processing system 10, 10.3, also referred to as a third option, instep (1522), the number of progression levels is determined, and thensuccessively decreasing levels of masking, for example, successivelydecreasing levels of transparency, are applied to each successive imageof the progression, per setting on the client internet-connectedreceiving device 20, for example, predetermined settings, i.e.predetermined values for the associated mask parameters α^(N), α^(N−1),α^(N−2), . . . , α², α¹. Otherwise, from step (1520), in step (1524),the image is displayed normally, without masking.

While specific embodiments have been described in detail in theforegoing detailed description and illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings, those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate thatvarious modifications and alternatives to those details could bedeveloped in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. It shouldbe understood, that any reference herein to the term “or” is intended tomean an “inclusive or” or what is also known as a “logical OR”, whereinwhen used as a logic statement, the expression “A or B” is true ifeither A or B is true, or if both A and B are true, and when used as alist of elements, the expression “A, B or C” is intended to include allcombinations of the elements recited in the expression, for example, anyof the elements selected from the group consisting of A, B, C, (A, B),(A, C), (B, C), and (A, B, C); and so on if additional elements arelisted. Furthermore, it should also be understood that the indefinitearticles “a” or “an”, and the corresponding associated definite articles“the’ or “said”, are each intended to mean one or more unless otherwisestated, implied, or physically impossible. Yet further, it should beunderstood that the expressions “at least one of A and B, etc.”, “atleast one of A or B, etc.”, “selected from A and B, etc.” and “selectedfrom A or B, etc.” are each intended to mean either any recited elementindividually or any combination of two or more elements, for example,any of the elements from the group consisting of “A”, “B”, and “A AND Btogether”, etc. Yet further, it should be understood that theexpressions “one of A and B, etc.” and “one of A or B, etc.” are eachintended to mean any of the recited elements individually alone, forexample, either A alone or B alone, etc., but not A AND B together.Furthermore, it should also be understood that unless indicatedotherwise or unless physically impossible, that the above-describedembodiments and aspects can be used in combination with one another andare not mutually exclusive. Accordingly, the particular arrangementsdisclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to thescope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of theappended claims, and any and all equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of processing a progressively-encodedimage, comprising: a. transmitting to a recipient a plurality of imagecomponents of the progressively-encoded image; b. transmitting to saidrecipient a corresponding plurality of sets of mask parameters incorrespondence with said plurality of image components, wherein each setof mask parameters of said plurality of sets of mask parameters, whenused in cooperation with an associated mask filter, provides forobscuring detailed features of an image associated with a correspondingimage component of said plurality of image to components, whileretaining a recognizable representation of an unmasked version of saidimage, successive image components of said plurality of image componentsare associated with images of successively increasing image-quality, andcorresponding successive sets of mask parameters of said plurality ofsets of mask parameters provide for successively less masking of saiddetailed features of said images associated with said successive imagecomponents of said plurality of image components.
 2. (canceled)
 3. Amethod of processing a progressively-encoded image, comprising: a.receiving a plurality of image components of the progressively-encodedimage; b. receiving a corresponding plurality of sets of mask parametersin correspondence with said plurality of image components, wherein eachset of mask parameters of said plurality of sets of mask parameters,when used in cooperation with an associated mask filter, provides forobscuring detailed features of an image associated with a correspondingimage component of said plurality of image components, while retaining arecognizable representation of an unmasked version of said image,successive image components of said plurality of image components areassociated with images of successively increasing image-quality, andcorresponding successive sets of mask parameters of said plurality ofsets of mask parameters provide for successively less masking of saiddetailed features of said images associated with said successive imagecomponents of said plurality of image components; c. masking each ofsaid plurality of image components of said progressively-encoded imagewith said mask filter using a corresponding said set of mask parametersof said plurality of sets of mask parameters so as to generate acorresponding masked image; and d. displaying said masked image on adisplay device.
 4. (canceled)
 5. A method of processing aprogressively-encoded image, comprising: a. receiving a plurality ofimage components of the progressively-encoded image, wherein successiveimage components of said plurality of image components are associatedwith images of successively increasing image-quality; b. masking each ofa plurality of images associated with said plurality of image componentswith a mask filter using a corresponding predetermined set of maskparameters so as to generate corresponding masked image, wherein adegree to which each image of said plurality of images is maskedresponsive to said predetermined set of mask parameters is inverselyrelated to said image-quality of said image; and c. displaying each ofsaid plurality of images in succession on a display device. 6.(canceled)
 7. A method of processing a progressively-encoded image asrecited in claim 1, further comprising: a. receiving ahighest-definition image; b. progressively encoding saidhighest-definition image so as to generate said plurality of imagecomponents of said progressively-encoded image; and c. storing saidplurality of image components for later transmission to said recipient,wherein said later transmission is commenced upon demand from saidrecipient.
 8. A method of processing a progressively-encoded image asrecited in claim 7, wherein said highest-definition image is receivedfrom a proprietor of a website on which said image is intended to bedisplayed.
 9. A method of processing a progressively-encoded image asrecited in claim 1, further comprising: a. providing for a user tointeractively adjust at least one set of mask parameters of saidplurality of sets of mask parameters responsive to a display of afiltered version of a corresponding image component of said plurality ofimage components filtered by said mask filter responsive to said atleast one set of mask parameters; and b. storing said at least one setof mask parameters in association with said corresponding imagecomponent.
 10. A method of processing a progressively-encoded image asrecited in claim 1, further comprising receiving said plurality of imagecomponents and said plurality of sets of mask parameters from a separateimage processing application.
 11. A method of processing aprogressively-encoded image as recited in claim 1, wherein each set ofmask parameters of said plurality of sets of mask parameters comprises avalue for each of at least one mask parameter selected from a measure ofcontrast, a measure of transparency, a measure of brightness, a measureof color, a measure of a range of tonal values, a measure of a shift ofa range of tonal values, and a characterization of an associated imagehistogram, wherein said value for each said at least one mask parameterprovides for obscuring artifacts in a corresponding said image componentto an extent that is inversely related to said image-quality of saidimage component.
 12. A method of processing a progressively-encodedimage as recited in claim 1, further comprising enhancing edge detail ofat least one relatively-lower-definition image component of saidplurality of image components prior to the transmission thereof to saidrecipient.
 13. A method of processing a progressively-encoded image asrecited in claim 1, wherein said plurality of image components comprisea lowest-definition base image and a plurality of sequential imagesupplements, each sequential image supplement of said plurality ofsequential image supplements provides for reconstructing a nextprogression of said progressively-encoded image from a previousprogression of said progressively-encoded image, beginning with saidlowest-definition base image, and said next progression of saidprogressively-encoded image has a higher-definition than said previousprogression of said progressively-encoded image.
 14. A method ofprocessing a progressively-encoded image as recited in claim 1, whereinsaid plurality of image components comprise a lowest-definition baseimage and a plurality of progressively-relatively-higher-definitionimages culminating with the image that was progressively encoded. 15-25.(canceled)
 26. A method of processing a progressively-encoded image asrecited in claim 3, wherein each set of mask parameters of saidplurality of sets of mask parameters comprises a value for each of atleast one mask parameter selected from a measure of contrast, a measureof transparency, a measure of brightness, a measure of color, a measureof a range of tonal values, a measure of a shift of a range of tonalvalues, and a characterization of an associated image histogram; andsaid value for each said at least one mask parameter provides forobscuring artifacts in a corresponding said image component to an extentthat is inversely related to said image-quality of said image component.27. A method of processing a progressively-encoded image as recited inclaim 3, further comprising enhancing edge detail of at least onerelatively-lower-definition unmasked image component of said pluralityof unmasked image components prior to said plurality of image componentsbeing masked to obscure said detailed features of said image.
 28. Amethod of processing a progressively-encoded image as recited in claim3, wherein said plurality of image components comprise alowest-definition base image and a plurality of sequential imagesupplements, each sequential image supplement of said plurality ofsequential image supplements provides for reconstructing a nextprogression of said progressively-encoded image from a previousprogression of said progressively-encoded image, beginning with saidlowest-definition base image, and said next progression of saidprogressively-encoded image has a higher-definition than said previousprogression of said progressively-encoded image.
 29. A method ofprocessing a progressively-encoded image as recited in claim 3, whereinsaid plurality of image components comprise a lowest-definition baseimage and a plurality of progressively-relatively-higher-definitionimages culminating with the image that was progressively encoded. 30-32.(canceled)
 33. A method of processing a progressively-encoded image asrecited in claim 5, wherein each set of mask parameters comprises avalue for each of at least one mask parameter selected from a measure ofcontrast, a measure of transparency, a measure of brightness, a measureof color, a measure of a range of tonal values, a measure of a shift ofa range of tonal values, and a characterization of an associated imagehistogram; and said value for each said at least one mask parameterprovides for obscuring artifacts in a corresponding image component ofsaid plurality of image components to an extent that is inverselyrelated to said image-quality of said image component.
 34. A method ofprocessing a progressively-encoded image as recited in claim 5, furthercomprising enhancing edge detail of at least onerelatively-lower-definition image component of said plurality of imagecomponents prior to said plurality of image components being masked toobscure detailed features of said progressively-encoded image.
 35. Amethod of processing a progressively-encoded image as recited in claim5, wherein said plurality of image components comprise alowest-definition base image and a plurality of sequential imagesupplements, each sequential image supplement of said plurality ofsequential image supplements provides for reconstructing a nextprogression of said progressively-encoded image from a previousprogression of said progressively-encoded image, beginning with saidlowest-definition base image, and said next progression of saidprogressively-encoded image has a higher-definition than said previousprogression of said progressively-encoded image.
 36. A method ofprocessing a progressively-encoded image as recited in claim 5, whereinsaid plurality of image components comprise a lowest-definition baseimage and a plurality of progressively-relatively-higher-definitionimages culminating with the image that was progressively encoded. 37-42.(canceled)